In 2021, a significant agreement was made by 196 countries to protect the Earth’s ecosystems. This agreement is known as the 30 by 30 initiative, which aims to safeguard 30% of the world’s land and marine areas by 2030. Next week, a crucial conference will occur in Cali, Colombia, where global delegates will evaluate the progress made toward this goal. Currently, approximately 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas are protected, indicating a pressing need for further action to achieve the 30 by 30 target. The conference, officially called COP16, will concentrate on reviewing these efforts and creating mechanisms to ensure compliance with the agreed goals. Additionally, the meeting will focus on raising the necessary funding of $200 billion annually by 2030 to support biodiversity initiatives, especially in developing nations, which are home to much of the world’s biodiversity.

Meeting biodiversity targets presents challenges that require coordination among various governmental sectors, businesses, and communities. The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity has reported that more than 90 countries submitted biodiversity targets; however, fewer than half provided detailed plans to reach them. Conservationists from organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund have expressed concerns regarding insufficient actions in these plans, particularly about species extinction and invasive species. Experts assert that more substantial efforts are necessary, and financing remains a critical issue in supporting conservation objectives.